Introducing Maggie Matthews of Margaret Ellen Bridal

30A is a dream-wedding destination, with an abundance of wedding planners, officiants, caterers, musicians and photographers. But you can’t have a wedding without a dress. Margaret Ellen Bridal is an essential addition to South Walton for brides on the Emerald Coast.

Located in Inlet Beach at 30 Avenue, Margaret Ellen Bridal opened in January 2018, and is the only bridal shop in Walton County. Brides searching for the perfect dress no longer need to travel out of county, or out of state, for a one-of-a-kind experience to find “the one.”

The all white elegant décor brings a bright and modern feeling to the 1700-square-foot space. When you arrive for your appointment, you and your friends and family are welcomed by owner Maggie Matthews. She closes the doors so there are no other customers or distractions. “It’s private with one bride at a time to make it intimate, and really exclusive, to make it all about them,” said Matthews.

During your appointment, you have her undivided attention for a whole two hours while being treated to champagne and sweet treats. “I want the girls to be able to remember the experience they had,” said Matthews. “It’s an experience I didn’t have when I went dress shopping.”

This private, intimate dress-shopping experience sets Margaret Ellen Bridal apart. Matthews also carries designers that other surrounding shops do not, and she handpicks her dresses from the designer showrooms in New York. Although it sounds exclusive, the majority of her dresses range from $2,000-$3,500.

“As a little girl I wanted to design wedding dresses,” said Matthews, who is a former teacher from Mississippi. She was successful, but unfulfilled in that career choice. So with support from friends and family, and some research, she decided to open a bridal shop. “When this happened, it was honestly like my dream came full circle.”

Matthews is familiar with South Walton, and knew there was a need for a bridal shop in the area. So it wasn’t hard to decide to start her business in Inlet Beach. “We’ve had a house down here for five years. Since I was a teacher, I pretty much lived here during the summer and my breaks,” she said. She now lives here full time with her husband Tyler and their son, Deaton, age 3.

If you, or a bride you know, are looking for a one-of-a-kind dress-shopping experience, contact Matthews at Margaret Ellen Bridal to set up your private appointment. You can find more information on Margaret Ellen Bridal at www.margaretellenbridal.com.